Category: Raising Meat Goats

Raising meat goats can be a profitable business for you. This industry, when you put a lot of effort and focus, can be the key to your bright future; but when engaging in this kind of industry, you need to consider a lot of things. You must be knowledgeable about the factors in choosing a breed, have information about the suitable housing and fencing, and finding a buyer of your meat goats. You also need to know the proper feeding and health maintenance of the goats.

Goat Breeds to Choose from

1. Boer
This breed is often found in South Africa. This is known for its nice & fit body, and a high fertility rate. This breed is colored white with a little highlight of red and brown. Its hair is short and its markings are color black, brown and red. Horns are short and have a curved structure.

2. Spanish Goats
This breed was brought by Spanish travelers. Its size is not that large compared to other breeds. It has skinny legs, short fur, and has different colors. Their horns are longer compared to others.

3. Brush
This breed is easy to raise since it can adjust to various climates easily.

4. Tennessee Fainting Goat
It originated from Tennessee. This breed takes a longer period to breed unlike others that have a shorter season. It might lose consciousness when frightened and shocked.

5. Kiko
A large-sized breed which is white in color. This breed originated from New Zeland and is usually raised for meat products purposes.

6. Pygmy
This breed has a good and meaty body ideal for producing meat products.

7. Savanna
This breed is good to be raised during the summer since it can stand still even during hot weather. They can survive practically under all weather conditions.

8 Things to Consider in Housing and Fencing

When raising meat goats, it is important that you protect them. You need to provide them proper shelter to keep them away from harm. The housing depends on many things. Here are some of the things you must consider in housing and fencing:

1. Floor
You can choose from wood, soil/dirt, or gravel floorings. Among these three, I prefer the soil or dirt flooring. Soil absorbs the urine and waste of your goat. If you use wood flooring, you will need to clean it from time to time since wood does not absorb waste. Concrete flooring is not recommended since it absorbs cold and it will be bad for the goats’ health.

2. Beddings
All types of floorings, whether soil, wood or concrete, can absorb cold. You need beddings in order to make sure that the goats will not feel cold. Wood shavings or straw is what others use for beddings. This will help your goats to feel warm and comfortable.

3. Dimensions
You need to consider the size/area of the shelter. Commonly, it is necessary to have atleast 10 to 15 square feet of housing. You need to have a spacious area since you will need to change their beddings from time to time.

4. Climate
You need to build your goat’s house in a place where there is ideal weather. A place with dry climate would be preferable so you don’t have to worry about your goats being cold.

5. Herd
You also need to consider how many goats you will raise. If you have a lot of goats, a larger structure for shelter is needed.

6. Storage
Aside from the housing itself, you also need to consider the place where you will keep the feeds and other things necessary for raising goats.

7. Water Supply
You need to have easy access to water. Having your supply of water near your area will lessen the needs for hauling water every time.

8. Fencing
You need to decide whether your fencing is temporary or permanent. The materials to use must be considered. You can use wood or wires.

5 Necessary Feeds for your Goats

Feeds is the largest investment in this type of business. This is important because the health and growth of your goat largely depend on the feeds. Your goat can be easily infected and get a disease when not properly fed. Goats need sufficient amount of nutrients in order to produce good meat.

1. Water
This does not cost much to the breeder. The water supply must be clean and must be sufficient especially during summer.

2. Pasture and Browse
This contains a lot of protein needed by the goat.

3. Hay
This is the most common feed for goats. Hay comes in different quality depending on the type. Pick hays with higher protein content.

4. Vitamins
This is needed in small amounts to ensure goat health. Goats need vitamins A, D and E.

5. Grains
This can be a temporary substitute for other feeds for variety. This is also healthy for goats as it contains carbon and protein.
These are the main things you need to learn when planning on raising goats. It is best to get as much information as you can about raising meat goats beforehand.